FIFA Urged to Bar Infantino from Another Term

The human rights organization FairSquare has called on FIFA to declare Gianni Infantino ineligible to run for president for the next term (2027–2031). According to the organization, he has already reached the maximum limit of three terms set by the 2016 reforms.

In 2022, Infantino pushed through an interpretation that his first term (2016–2019), during which he completed Sepp Blatter’s term, does not count toward the limit. FairSquare, with the help of Miguel Maduro, the former head of FIFA’s Independent Committee, filed a complaint with the FIFA Executive Committee in which it describes this approach as a clear violation of the statutes.

The 2022 decision has also faced criticism for a lack of transparency, as the reasoning behind it was not made public.

Infantino is facing mounting pressure ahead of next year’s vote in Morocco. The European, Asian and North American confederations are questioning his actions, particularly regarding his plan to create a $20bn subsidiary for private investments. The Scottish federation, for example, has already openly expressed its opposition to his re-election. Infantino continues to enjoy support in Africa and South America.

(Reuters, Max)